Captivate Dental Tips: Is It Safe to Receive Dental Procedures While Pregnant or Nursing?

If you are a mother or expecting a child, you may have wondered if it is safe to have dental procedures?

You are certainly thinking about what goes into your body, and you know that many dental treatments include medication.

You know good oral health is great for you and your child, but you may be uncertain about how dental treatment might affect your child.

At Captivate Dental, we know that it is essential to keep up your oral hygiene and dental visits during pregnancy and after, and sometimes it is necessary to get dental treatment. But what treatments are safe?

Let’s take a look!

Common issues during pregnancy and nursing

Tooth decay and gingivitis are common dental issues. If morning sickness causes vomiting, the level of acid in your mouth also increases, as does the risk for tooth decay.

The increased acid can reach your baby, increasing their risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Severe tooth decay can lead to cavities or even tooth loss.

During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone spikes. This creates more acid in the mouth that can lead to gingivitis.

Breastfeeding moms are at an increased risk for tooth decay if they neglect standard oral hygiene practices or don’t keep the mouth hydrated.

Bruxism. Many pregnant and new mothers grind their teeth, which can damage teeth, harm the jaw, and lead to TMJ. A healthy, stress-free baby needs a healthy stress-free mom!

Nursing moms lose up to 5 per cent of their bone mass as their children use more calcium. This can cause periodontal disease or gingivitis, which can damage the gums and cause bone loss of the jaw.

To prevent this, it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet throughout your time breastfeeding, including lots of calcium and vitamin D.

Because of these issues, you must keep up your schedule or routine visits to Captivate Dental during pregnancy and directly after.

Treatment during pregnancy

Generally speaking, a healthy mother with an uncomplicated pregnancy can receive low-level treatments such as fillings and cleanings during their second and third trimesters.

Here are some specific things to think about:

• The risks of not treating some dental issues usually outweigh the small risks of dental work during pregnancy. Some medications, including local antibiotics, anesthetics, and pain medications, can still be used safely during pregnancy.
• The second trimester is the optimal time for routine dental procedures. Fetal organs have developed, the risk of nausea and vomiting is decreased, and most women still feel comfortable in a dental chair. Elective procedures and dental surgeries should be postponed until after birth.
• Be comfy. Shorter appointments are better as they prevent discomfort and pressure on the lower back while reclining in a dental chair. If lying on your back is uncomfortable, bring a pillow and have frequent breaks. Don’t forget to bring headphones with your favourite music. Break treatment up into shorter visits.
• Seek dental treatment and have a checkup prior to pregnancy to avoid any issues while pregnant.
• If a dental situation is dangerous. Sometimes the risks of not treating oral pain, swelling, damage, or infection may outweigh the small risks associated with dental work while pregnant. Some medications, including antibiotics, local anesthetics, and pain medications, can be safely used during pregnancy.

Medications and Nursing

Before using a dental medication, it is wisest to have a consultation with your dentist and your family doctor or paediatrician.

But generally speaking, here is what is considered safe.

• X-rays are safe for breastfeeding mothers
• Novocaine and other local anaesthetics are considered safe.
• Most medications used in IV or oral sedation are considered safe
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also considered safe
• Some antibiotics are considered safe – again, this is why your dentist needs to know if you are breastfeeding.

Take care of yourself while pregnant & nursing

During pregnancy and early childhood, it is easy to neglect brushing and flossing – after all, pregnancy and child-care mean less time and more work.

But don’t do it. Bacteria that builds up in a mom’s mouth is easily transferable to your child, as is a buildup in acid, which can lead to premature birth and low birth weight.

The good news is that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Captivate Dental is expert at taking care of your oral health.

e recommend appropriate treatments and use safe techniques and medication. With your help, we can keep your mouth healthy, to help keep your child healthy!

Complete dental care at Captivate!

Captivate Dental is conveniently located in Cheltenham near Brighton (near Kingston City Hall and Cheltenham Station).

We provide the highest quality care and enable patients to make informed choices.

Our competent, caring staff provides value through excellent diagnostic skills and efficient use of the best quality materials.

Captivate Dental offers a wide variety of preventative and cosmetic dental treatment for kids, seniors, and everyone between!

We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 5:30PM.

Cheltenham dentist also serving local communities in Bentleigh, Highett, Hampton East, Cheltenham and Brighton East.

GAP FREE Promotions for our New Patients

No Gap Initial Examination, Clean, Fluoride treatment and 2x X-rays for all Private Health Insurance Dental coverage.

Call us on (03) 9553 1249. Visit us on the web, or use our convenient online booking page.

We are located at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.